Rattlers embrace team-first philosophy

MISSION - It has definitely been a surprising season around Sharyland.

The Rattlers, who take on San Antonio Clark in a Class 5A Division I regional quarterfinal at 4 p.m. Friday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, aren't so much surprised by their success, but they have raised some eyebrows among the student body.

"I think we surprised a lot of students that go here," Rattlers linebacker Aaron Alaniz said. "In spring ball we didn't really hear anything. It was not doubt, but a bunch of guys would just question us like, ‘Are you guys going to do anything this year?'

"We have always had high expectations of ourselves. It feels good to do something that was unexpected."

The expectations were lukewarm at best. The Rattlers (10-2) had not made the playoffs for two straight years but they did return some key skill players. They also played in a district with expectations-bloated McAllen High and Donna, who many thought could repeat as league champs.

"Well, we were picked second to last. I think so?" Rattlers coach Fred Sanchez said about surprising some that they are one of five Rio Grande Valley teams standing.

Not that there hasn't been a disappointment or two, but Sharyland has had an impressive season considering some of the challenges it faced.

Sanchez implemented a spread offense, the defense had only one returning starter and injury struck two of their key cogs - slot back Scottie Meyer and running back Adrian Adame - early in the season.

"Week to week the kids played well as a team," Sanchez said. "There was not one real standout. They played hungry. It was a learning process from week to week, doing some things differently this year. We were growing and learning the system as we went along.

"We got some kids back that were injured like Scottie and Adrian. They were our starters last year. It has been one week at a time and not looking ahead."

There is some truth to what Sanchez said about there not being a real standout on the team.

Sophomore wide receiver Ricky Mata (52 receptions, 680 yards) has been a breakout star, and quarterback Mike Moroles (2,387 yards passing, 780 yards rushing) produced solid numbers. But even they have worked as a part of the system.

Defensively, the Rattlers were led by senior defensive back Sean Peterson (89 tackles) and senior linebacker Zayed Abu-Hala (75 tackles). Defense was an area of concern considering its inexperience but the ‘D' has played well in the playoffs.

"Throughout the season we worked hard," senior offensive lineman Juan Lejia said. "We came to practice and worked hard. We were sluggish at times, but we worked through that. We showed everyone on Friday nights that we were a team to beat."

Peter Rasmussen covers District 30-5A for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448 or via e-mail at prasmussen@themonitor.com.